Approved Drug Label (PDF)
5
Warnings and Precautions
5.2 Serotonin
Syndrome
Additions and/or revisions underlined:
Selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and
serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), including SAVELLA, can
precipitate serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition. The
risk is increased with concomitant use of other serotonergic drugs (including
triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, fentanyl, tramadol, meperidine,
methadone, lithium, tryptophan, buspirone, amphetamines, and St. John’s
Wort) and with drugs that impair metabolism of serotonin i.e., MAOIs [see Contraindications (4), Drug
Interactions (7)]. Serotonin syndrome can also occur when these drugs are
used alone.
…
5.9 Increased Risk of Bleeding
Additions
and/or revisions underlined:
Drugs
that interfere with serotonin reuptake, including SAVELLA, may increase the
risk of bleeding events. Concomitant use of aspirin, nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), warfarin, and other anticoagulants may add to
this risk. Case reports and epidemiological studies (case-control and cohort
design) have demonstrated an association between use of drugs that interfere
with serotonin reuptake and the occurrence of gastrointestinal bleeding. Based
on data from published observational studies, exposure to SSRIs, particularly
in the month before delivery, has been associated with a less than 2-fold
increase in the risk of postpartum hemorrhage [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)]. Bleeding events related to SSRIs and SNRIs have ranged from
ecchymosis, hematoma, epistaxis, and petechiae to life-threatening hemorrhages.
Inform
patients about the increased risk of bleeding associated with the
concomitant use of SAVELLA and NSAIDs, aspirin, or other drugs that affect
coagulation [see Drug Interactions (7.7)].
6
Adverse Reactions
6.2 Postmarketing
Experience
Additions and/or revisions underlined:
Nervous
System Disorders ? anosmia, convulsions (including grand mal), hyposmia,
loss of consciousness, …
7
Drug Interactions
DRUG INTERACTIONS
7.1 Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
Additions
and/or revisions underlined:
The
concomitant use of SSRIs and SNRIs, including SAVELLA, with MAOIs increases the
risk of serotonin syndrome. The use of MAOIs intended to treat psychiatric
disorders with SAVELLA or within 5 days of stopping treatment with SAVELLA is
contraindicated. The use of SAVELLA within 14 days of stopping an MAOI intended
to treat psychiatric disorders is also contraindicated. In addition, do not
initiate SAVELLA in a patient who is being treated with MAOIs such as linezolid
or intravenous methylene blue. No reports involved the administration of
methylene blue by other routes (such as oral tablets or local tissue
injection). If it is necessary to initiate treatment with a MAOI such as
linezolid or intravenous methylene blue in a patient taking SAVELLA,
discontinue SAVELLA before initiating treatment with the MAOI [see Dosage and Administration (2.5, 2.6),
Contraindications (4), Drug Interactions (7.1)].
7.2 Serotonergic Drugs
Additions
and/or revisions underlined:
Serotonin
syndrome can occur with use of SAVELLA and other serotonergic drugs (other
SNRIs, SSRIs, triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, opioids, lithium,
tryptophan, buspirone, amphetamines, and St. John’s Wort), or with drugs that
impair metabolism of serotonin (i.e., monoamine oxidase inhibitors). Advise
patients of the signs and symptoms associated with serotonin syndrome and to
seek medical care immediately if they experience these symptoms [see Dosage and Administration (2.5, 2.6),
Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
7.7 Drugs that Interfere with Hemostasis
Newly
added section
Concomitant
use of SAVELLA with an antiplatelet or anticoagulant drug (e.g., NSAIDs,
aspirin, and warfarin) may potentiate the risk of bleeding. This may be due to
the effect of SAVELLA on the release of serotonin by platelets. Closely monitor
for bleeding for patients receiving an antiplatelet or anticoagulant drug when
SAVELLA is initiated or discontinued [see
Warnings and Precautions (5.9)].
8
Use in Specific Populations
8.1 Pregnancy
Additions and/or revisions underlined:
Risk
Summary
Based
on data from published observational studies, exposure to SSRIs, particularly
in the month before delivery, has been associated with a less than 2-fold
increase in the risk of postpartum hemorrhage [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
…
Clinical
Consideration
Maternal adverse
reactions
Use
of SAVELLA in the month before delivery may be associated with an
increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage [see
Warnings and Precautions (5.9)].
17 PCI/PI/MG (Patient Counseling Information/Patient Information/Medication Guide)
PATIENT COUNSELING
INFORMATION
Additions
and/or revisions underlined:
Serotonin
Syndrome
Inform
patients about the risk of serotonin syndrome with use of SAVELLA as well as
the increased risk when taken concomitantly with other serotonergic drugs
including triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, opioids, lithium, tryptophan,
buspirone, amphetamines and St. John’s Wort, and with drugs that impair
metabolism of serotonin (in particular MAOIs, both those intended to treat
psychiatric disorders and also others, such as linezolid) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2), Drug Interactions (7.2)].
MEDICATION GUIDE
Newly added information:
Especially
tell your healthcare provider if you take:
triptans
used to treat migraine headache
medicines
used to treat mood, anxiety, psychotic or thought disorders, including tricyclics,
lithium, buspirone, SSRIs, SNRIs or MAOIs
tramadol,
fentanyl, meperidine, methadone, or other opioids
amphetamines
the
blood thinner warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven)
non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) (like ibuprofen, naproxen or aspirin)
over-the-counter
supplements such as tryptophan or St. John’s Wort Ask your healthcare provider
for a list of these medicines if you are not sure.
Approved Drug Label (PDF)
5
Warnings and Precautions
5.12 Sexual Dysfunction
(Newly added
subsection)
Use of SNRIs, including Savella, may cause symptoms
of sexual dysfunction [see Adverse
Reactions (6.1, 6.2)]. In male patients, SNRI use may result in ejaculatory
delay or failure, decreased libido, and erectile dysfunction. In female patients,
SNRI use may result in decreased libido and delayed or absent orgasm.
It is important for prescribers to inquire about
sexual function prior to initiation of Savella and to inquire specifically
about changes in sexual function during treatment, because sexual function may
not be spontaneously reported. When evaluating changes in sexual function,
obtaining a detailed history (including timing of symptom onset) is important
because sexual symptoms may have other causes, including the underlying psychiatric
disorder. Discuss potential management strategies to support patients in making
informed decisions about treatment.
6
Adverse Reactions
6.2 Postmarketing Experience
(Additions and/or
revisions underlined)
The following additional adverse reactions have been
identified from spontaneous reports of Savella received worldwide. These
adverse reactions have been chosen for inclusion because of a combination of
seriousness, frequency of reporting, or potential causal connection to Savella.
However, because these adverse reactions were reported voluntarily from a
population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate
their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. These
events include:
Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders ? leukopenia,
neutropenia, thrombocytopenia Cardiac Disorders ? supraventricular tachycardia,
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy
Eye Disorders ? accommodation disorder Endocrine
Disorders ? hyperprolactinemia Gastrointestinal Disorders ? acute pancreatitis
Hepatobiliary Disorders ? hepatitis
Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders ? anorexia,
hyponatremia Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders ? rhabdomyolysis
Nervous System Disorders ? convulsions (including
grand mal), loss of consciousness, Parkinsonism
Psychiatric Disorders ? aggression, anger, delirium,
hallucination, homicidal ideation Renal and Urinary Disorders ? acute renal
failure
Reproductive System and Breast Disorders ?
galactorrhea, decreased libido, delayed or absent orgasm
Skin Disorders ? erythema multiforme, Stevens
Johnson syndrome Vascular Disorders ? hypertensive crisis
17 PCI/PI/MG (Patient Counseling Information/Patient Information/Medication Guide)
MEDICATION GUIDE
(Additions and/or revisions underlined)
…
Sexual problems
(dysfunction). Taking serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake
inhibitors (SNRIs), including Savella, may cause sexual problems.
Symptoms
in males may include
- Problems getting or keeping an erection
Symptoms
in females may include
- Delayed orgasm or inability to have an orgasm
Talk
to your healthcare provider if you develop any changes in your sexual function
or if you have any questions or concerns about sexual problems during treatment
with Savella. There may be treatments your healthcare provider can suggest.
…
PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION
(Additions and/or
revisions underlined)
…
Sexual
Dysfunction
Advise
patients that use of Savella may cause symptoms of sexual dysfunction in both
male and female patients. Inform patients that they should discuss any changes
in sexual function and potential management strategies with their healthcare
provider [see Warnings and Precautions
(5.12)].
…
Approved Drug Label (PDF)
5
Warnings and Precautions
5.2 Serotonin Syndrome
(Additions and/or
revisions are underlined)
The development of a potentially
life-threatening serotonin syndrome has been reported with SNRIs and SSRIs,
including Savella, alone but particularly with concomitant use of other
serotonergic drugs (including triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, fentanyl,
lithium, tramadol, tryptophan, buspirone, amphetamines…
If
concomitant use of Savella with other serotonergic drugs including triptans,
tricyclic antidepressants, fentanyl, lithium, tramadol, buspirone, tryptophan, amphetamines…
6
Adverse Reactions
6.2 Postmarketing Experience
(Additions
and/or revisions are underlined)
…These
events include:
Cardiac
Disorders - supraventricular tachycardia, Takotsubo cardiomyopathy
17 PCI/PI/MG (Patient Counseling Information/Patient Information/Medication Guide)
17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION
(Additions
and/or revisions are underlined)
Serotonin
Syndrome
Patients
should be cautioned about the risk of serotonin syndrome with concomitant use
of Savella with other serotonergic drugs including triptans, tricyclic
antidepressants, fentanyl, lithium, tramadol, tryptophan, buspirone,
amphetamines…
Approved Drug Label (PDF)
5
Warnings and Precautions
5.2 Serotonin Syndrome
(Additions and/or revisions are underlined)
The development of a potentially life-threatening serotonin
syndrome has been reported with SNRIs and SSRIs, including Savella, alone but
particularly with concomitant use of other serotonergic drugs (including
triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, fentanyl, lithium, tramadol, tryptophan,
buspirone, amphetamines, and St. John’s Wort)…
If concomitant use of Savella with other serotonergic drugs
including triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, fentanyl, lithium, tramadol, buspirone,
tryptophan, amphetamines, and St. John’s Wort is clinically warranted,
patients should be made aware of a potential increased risk for serotonin
syndrome, particularly during treatment initiation and dose increases.
17 PCI/PI/MG (Patient Counseling Information/Patient Information/Medication Guide)
17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION
(Additions and/or revisions are underlined)
Serotonin Syndrome
Patients should be cautioned about the risk of serotonin
syndrome with concomitant use of Savella with other serotonergic drugs
including triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, fentanyl, lithium, tramadol,
tryptophan, buspirone, amphetamines, and St. John’s Wort, and with drugs
that impair metabolism
of serotonin (in
particular MAOIs, both
those intended to
treat psychiatric disorders and also others, such as linezolid).